Arsenal may likely feature strikers: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette when they tackle Bournemouth on Sunday afternoon in the Premier League fixture.

The duo were forced to withdraw from their country’s international duty for Gabon and France respectively due to injuries.

Aubameyang picked up a back injury, while Lacazette sustained a minor groin injury.

According to Metro UK, the pair were at the gym in Arsenal’s training ground on Wednesday morning with the rest of their team-mates in a bid to get ready for the Gunner’s clash this weekend.

Arsenal head to the game following a 1-1 draw with Wolves in their last Premier League encounter.

Unai Emery’s side are currently occupying the fifth position on the Premier League table with 24 points from 12 games.

http://www.mcebiscoo.com/2018/11/epl-arsenal-gets-double-injury-boost.html

Ahead of the 2019 general elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it has detected and removed the names of 1,931 dead persons from the voters’ register in Kaduna State.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, Abdurahim Kasugama, said this on Tuesday when he received the Senate Committee on INEC in his office.

He said the names were uncovered during the recent display of voters’ register for claims and objections.

Kasugama also announced that there were no claims of names of foreigners in the voters’ register, except for few cases of irregular images that were discovered and removed.

“Our recently concluded program has been very successful. During the display, we got claims and objections. To the best of what has come from the 23 local government, there’s been no claim of any non-Nigerian from Kaduna State.

“Those who died during the exercise were claimed to be 1,931 names which were removed. We also identified 12 people with still pictures. These are people who instead of their images put images of objects,” he said.

Corrections were also made in the names and ages of people who lodged complaints concerning their registration.

http://www.ebiscoo.com/81/2019-1931-dead-persons-discovered-in-voters%E2%80%99-register-in-kaduna#147

A Federal High Court sitting in Osogbo, the Osun state capital, has ordered the remand of Professor Richard Akindele of the Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, Ile-ife, for allegedly demanding sex from his student, Monica Osagie.

Akindele was arraigned before Justice Maurine Onyetenu by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission, ICPC, on a four-count charge on Monday.

The ICPC alleged that the accused unlawfully demanded sex from his student and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section A (1)(2) of the corrupt practices and other related offences.

The charge cheat reads thus: “That you Professor Richard Iyiola Akindele on 16 September, 2018, did unlawfully solicit for sex from your student Monica Osagie, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18 of the corrupt practices and other related offences, 2000.”

The embattled former lecturer was also accused to have unlawfully had WhatsApp conversation with Osagie sometimes in June 2018, and thereby committed an offence contrary to the law.

He however pleaded not guilty to the four-count charge levelled against him by the ICPC.

His Counsel, Mr. F. Omotosho, thereafter pleaded with the court to grant his client bail, arguing that he is a known personality who cannot jump bail.

The prosecutor, who is a senior legal officer with the ICPC, Mr. Kehinde Adetoye, opposed the oral bail application of the counsel, stating that the accused has refused to appear at the commission since he was granted administrative bail.

He said, “we have been making efforts since 5th of November to effect the service of the process. They have refused to come back and they were not reachable on mobile phone. We were surprised to see them here today. We just served them the process.”

Justice Onyetenu thereby directed counsel to the accused to file a formal application for the bail of his client.

She ordered that the accused be remanded in prison custody and adjourned the matter till November 27 for hearing.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/11/sex-for-marks-court-remands-oau.html

The All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday won the by-election into the Kankiya/Kusada/Ingawa federal constituency seat of Katsina State and that of /lrepodun/Isin/Oke-Ero federal constituency of Kwara State.

But the lkom ll constituency seat in the Cross River State House of Assembly was given to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) by consensus.

Our sister publication, LEADERSHIP Weekend, had reported yesterday that the by-elections in the states would be the last off-season polls before the 2019 general election and would offer opportunity to both leading parties to prove their mettle and how prepared they are ahead of the 2019 general elections.

In Katsina, the APC candidate Abubakar Kusada polled 48,518 votes beat his closest rival, the PDP candidate, Abdussamad Abdullah, who polled 20, 193 votes.

Announcing the results, returning officer of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Rasheed Adebayo Hamzat, also said the PRP candidate polled 1,810 votes, while the Yes Electorate Solidarity (YES) got 221 votes.

LEADERSHIP Sunday reports that the by-election into the Kankiya/Kusada/Ingawa federal constituency was sequel to the election of the former member representing the area in the House of Representatives, Alhaji Ahmed Babba-Kaita, to represent Katsina North senatorial district in the Senate.

The APC had won all the three consecutive by-elections and a re-run election in the state after the 2015 general election.

Speaking to LEADERSHIP Sunday yesterday after casting his vote in Kankia, Senator Kaita hailed the high turn-out of voters, saying it showed that the electorate was still enthusiastic about APC and the elections.

“The process is free, fair and very, very credible. You can see what is happening; people are turning out in their numbers and they are voting peacefully,” said Kaita.

The Speaker of the Katsina State House of Assembly and the APC flag bearer in the by-election, Abubakar Yahaya Kusada, in an interview with journalists in his home, Kusada, also commended the poll as credible and hitch free, while expressing optimism that the exercise would be a success.

Similarly, a PDP enthusiast, Musa Badamasi, told LEADERSHIP Sunday that he remained hopeful that the opposition would spring a surprise in the by-election, while brushing aside insinuations that APC was home and dry in the constituency.

In Kwara, INEC declared the APC candidate, Raheem Tunji Olawuyi, winner of yesterday’s by-election into the House of Representatives seat of Irepodun/ Isin/ Ekiti/ Oke- Ero federal constituency in the state.

The returning officer for the election, Prof Bimbola Adesoji of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile- Ife, announced the results in Omu-Aran, the headquarters of Irepodun local government area.

He said the APC candidate scored 21,236 votes to beat the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Saheed Alatise, who polled 18,095 votes.

But Kwara State governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, described the House of Representatives by-election into the Ekiti, Isin, Irepodun and Oke-Ero federal constituency as a contest between the PDP and security agents, rather than among political parties.

Ahmed, in a statement by his senior special assistant on media and communications, Dr Muhideen Akorede, said reports available to him from the four local government areas in which elections were held indicated wide-spread harassment, arrests and intimidation of PDP members and supporters by security personnel.

Ahmed, however, commended PDP members and supporters across the federal constituency for standing their ground and defying the threats posed by the security agents by coming out to exercise their franchise at the risk of harm and arrest.

He said the heightened fear and intimidation orchestrated against PDP members and supporters and abetted by security agents led to voter apathy and poor turn-out in the areas that were traditional strong-holds of the party.

In Cross River, a widow, Stella Egbung Nkoro, of the PDP was yesterday declared winner of the Ikom II state constituency by-election in the state.

Mrs Nkoro will replace her husband, the member representing the same constituency, who died recently.

The widow’s late husband, Simon, was the one representing the constituency at the Cross River State House of Assembly before his demise on August 26.

According to a statement by INEC national commissioner and chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mr Festus Okoye, the PDP is the only party that will appear on the ballot paper in the by-election as parties agreed that Simon Okoro’s wife replace her husband since the term in office is almost due.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/11/by-elections-apc-wins-in-katsina-kwara.html

Ben Murray-Bruce, the Senator representing Bayelsa East has cited what Nigerians should put into consideration when voting for the next president in 2019.

Ben Bruce said the religion and tribe of a presidential candidate is not essential in selecting next president but the capability of the candidate.

The Bayelsa lawmaker on his Twitter page also urged Nigerians to compare their condition of living since 2015 when APC administration took over power.

Bruce wrote: “Are you better off today than you were in 2015? A simple question. Are you able to eat better today than in 2015? Are you able to look after your health better today than in 2015? These are questions that should guide who we vote for in 2019, not who‘s from our tribe or religion

“If you are ill, you want the best doctor to treat you. You do not care if he is Black, Brown or White. You just care that he is capable. Nigeria is sick.

“We don’t need a Northern or Southern President or a Christian or a Muslim President. We just need a capable President in 2019.”

http://www.ebiscoo.com/53/2019-presidency-what-nigerians-should-consider-when-voting-%E2%80%93-ben-bruce#117

Lauretta Onochie, the Special Assistant to the President on Social media, has lambasted the vice presidential candidate of the opposition party, Mr Peter Obi, alleging that he plans to impoverish the masses if elected in 2019.

Onochie made the accusation on Tuesday in a post she published on her Twitter handle.

She went further to trivialise the surname of the PDP presidential candidate to read ‘Obi’ rather than simply Obi.

The presidential aide extolled incumbent Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, for his contributions towards the success of tradermoni programme approved by the federal government to assist petty traders in the country.

She tweeted: “This is what they are coming to stop They want to return to take food out of the mouth of these lovely Nigerians.

“For the first time, ordinary Nigerians have a share in our national wealth. There will be no Peter Obi for this scheme (TraderMoni). Thanks @ProfOsinbajo. Your the best.”

Onochie also claimed that Obi would rather than unite the nation, divide Nigerians along ethnic and religious lines.

“If as a leader in Anambra State, he divided predominantly Christian Anambra State along Christian Denomination Lines, he has no business in Abuja! When he says, #LetsGetNigeriaWorkingAgain, he means, let’s divide Nigeria along class, ethnic and religious lines. #NoToBigotry,” she tweeted.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/11/2019-what-peter-obi-plans-to-do-to.html

Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, has once again accused the immediate past government of President Goodluck Jonathan of throwing Nigeria into untold hardship, recession and debt.

According to him, the corruption that took place under the previous government was the reason Nigeria’s economy was currently in crisis.

Osinbajo made this statement on Monday in Lagos in a lecture entitled, “Restructuring and the Nigerian federation,” which he delivered as part activities marking the 40th anniversary of Association of Friends.

He said, “What do these figures show? They show that when oil prices were at the highest between 2010 and 2014 the government was borrowing heavily.

“From 2010 to 2014, debts moved from $35bn to $63bn. When we assumed office in 2015, the debt that the previous government left was $63bn.

“Today, three and half years later, the debt is $73bn.

“There are two reasons why despite high earnings we are poorer – the first is grand corruption and mismanagement of resources. And there is a difference between grand corruption and ordinary corruption.

“Grand corruption is directly stealing from the CBN, directly taking money from the treasury without any contract, no pretences; there’s no caution, you just take money. That was going on and I will give you several examples.

“When I got to the office as Vice-President, I couldn’t believe it. In one day, $292m was signed out and it disappeared. After that period, for two weeks, the Central Bank of Nigeria did not have cash dollar – $292m without any real explanation! We later discovered what became of the money.

“On another occasion, N60bn was moved out ostensibly for security purposes; but we know what happened.

“When you have a corrupt government, large sums of money which can be used for development is simply taken. If you are the President of Nigeria, you can literally say, ‘Go and bring money’.

“Look at a sum of N60bn; when someone can take N60bn; and $292m, that’s almost N70bn. Today, our TraderMoni scheme is costing us N20bn, where we’re giving to petty traders a loan of N10,000 and when they pay back, we give them N15,000 and when they pay back, we give them, N20,000. But somebody will take $292m, almost N70bn. If you have N70bn, you will solve the problem of seven million of those petty traders. That’s the kind of thing we are talking about and the kind of contrast that we’re trying to draw.”

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/11/how-jonathan-govt-threw-nigeria-into.html

The Federal Government has said an estimated 40 million Nigerians are believed to be suffering from mental disorders.

Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health, Abdulaziz Mashi Abdullahi, stated this on Monday at the ongoing mental health action committee and stakeholders workshop in Abuja.

Abdullahi blamed the country’s high burden of mental disorders to inadequate attention paid to mental illnesses, misconceptions and lack of awareness on the part of the Nigerian public.

He said more people will be disabled by psychological challenges than complications arising from HIV/AIDS, heart disease, accidents, and wars combined by the year 2020.

He identified ways of addressing the country’s mental health burden to include: fast-tracking the enactment of the Mental Health Act as well as the resuscitation of the national mental health action committee for the coordination of stakeholders’ activities on mental health and psychosocial supports in the country.

He said: “In Nigeria, an estimated 20%–30% of our populations are believed to suffer from mental disorders. This is a very significant number considering Nigeria has an estimated population of over 200 million.

“Unfortunately, the attention given to mental health disorders in Nigeria is inadequate. The level of awareness of the Nigerian public on mental health issues is also understandably poor and with lots of misconceptions.

“By 2020, it is estimated that common mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse-related disorders, will disable more people than complications arising from HIV/AIDS, heart disease, accidents, and wars combined! This is an astonishing statistic and possesses serious questions as to why mental health disorders are not given the needed attention that it currently receives.

“A policy for mental health services delivery was developed with several key provisions of the policy, including establishing a body at the Federal Ministry of Health to focus on Mental Health issues.

“Some of the pertinent issues is how to address and dialogue with stakeholders on the burden of mental health, intimate them on the Mental Health policy, identify ways to fast-track the enactment of the Mental Health Act and modalities for resuscitating the National mental health action committee for coordinating the activities of various stakeholders on mental health and Psychosocial supports in Nigeria.”

http://www.ebiscoo.com/16/40-million-nigerians-suffering-mental-disorders-%E2%80%93-nigerian-govt

Manchester City striker, Sergio Aguero on Sunday made history in his side’s 3-1 victory over Manchester United in the Premier League derby clash.

Goals from David Silva, Sergio Aguero and IIkay Gundogan ensured victory for the hosts at Etihad.

Anthony Martial’s lone strike was not enough to get a point for Jose Mourinho’s side.

According to Metro UK, Aguero’s goal against the Red Devils means that the Argentine has now equalled Manchester United’s legend, Wayne Rooney’s record for most goals in Manchester derbies.

It marks the eighth goal Aguero has scored in Premier League Manchester derbies, now the joint most alongside Rooney.

The win against United means City now occupies the top position in the Premier League log with 32 points from 12 games.

Man City will take on West Ham United in their next Premier League clash on November 24.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/11/epl-aguero-makes-history-in-man-citys-3.html

Liverpool manager, Jurgen Klopp, believes UEFA should hand out punishments, if any club is found guilty of breaking the rules of Financial Fair Play (FFP).

At the end of a week that has seen a flurry of allegations levelled at Manchester City in the German media, Klopp says the Premier League champions should be punished, if they are found guilty of breaching any regulations.

“I heard about the Der Spiegel story but I didn’t read it so far.

“It is difficult to comment but what I can say, in general, is that FFP is a really good thing. But we always thought that — if it is in place, they have to do something with it. I have no clue what happens (now).

“I know (the story) is about Paris Saint-Germain obviously and Man City. I’m not sure if other clubs are being talked about as well. That’s all I can say. I think FFP is a good thing because it sets the rules and stuff like that. If everything is fine, then everything is fine.

“If not, then somebody should do something. That’s all I can say but I have no clue about the real story,” Klopp said, ahead of the Reds’ leagye fixture against Fulham.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/11/epl-klopp-calls-for-manchester-city-to.html

The Senate has said that its decision to rescind and revise the methods of funding of the supplementary budget of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and security agencies for the conduct of the 2019 general elections, was done in good faith, after due consultation with the Executive.

It said this in a statement forwarded to DAILY POST by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Institutions, Senator Rafiu Ibrahim.

Ibrahim said the Senate had already passed the N242, 245, 050,100 virement request with the stipulation that it should be funded from the Service Wide Vote, but had to rescind, reconsider and revise its position following pressure on members of the Appropriations Committee by the Executive.

He said, “The insinuations being peddled that the Senate single-handedly and unilaterally cut the budgets of critical MDAs is false. Such actions are uncharacteristic of this 8th Senate.

“The facts remain that on Tuesday, October 16th, the Senate approved a report that stipulated that the supplementary funding for INEC and security agencies to conduct the 2019 election should be sourced from the Service Wide Vote of the Executive through virement. This information is out everywhere.

“However, the Executive came up with a counter-proposal that asked that the election be funded through both the Service Wide Vote and the budgets of 30 MDAs —on a pro rata basis. This is why, the Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Danjuma Goje, had to come up with a Motion to rescind, reconsider and revise the source of funding contained in the original approval granted by the Senate.

“So, if you take a close look at the Senate’s Order paper of Wednesday, November 7, 2018, you will see that N121,122,525,050, which represents half of the entire supplementary budget, was sourced from 30 MDAs chosen by the Executive, while the other N121,122,525,050 was taken from the Service Wide Vote.

“As always, all Senators remain committed to ensuring that Nigeria has free, fair and credible general elections next year, and they will continue to collaborate with the Executive, members of the public and all other stakeholders to ensure that this happens.”

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/11/2019-election-why-we-are-revising.html

Yoruba actress, Bimbo Thomas was elated as she met the number two citizen of Nigeria, VP Osinbajo at a public event in Lagos.

Beautiful Nollywood actress Bimbo Thomas was pictured recently with the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo at an event.

The picture was taken during a special dinner and interactive seesion with entertainers in the commercial capital of Nigeria.


She shared the photo on social media and her fans have been dropping interesting comments.

Osinbajo is well-respected across Nigeria as many see him as one of the best heads in the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/11/actress-bimbo-thomas-pictured-with-yemi.html

The Buhari Campaign Organization (BCO) has demanded apology from the Director, Strategic Communications, President Muhammadu Buhari Campaign Organisation, Festus Keyamo, for linking it to a letter soliciting for contracts from the Ministry of Power, Works and Housing.

It could be recalled that the Good Governance awareness campaigner group, BCO in a letter addressed to the Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Power, Works and Housing, the Campaign proposed for the Supply and Installation of Road Signs along Federal Highways, the Organization requested the Ministry to give some slots to cushion the Financial Pressure on them as they intend to move the campaign train to the grassroot in the Six Geo Political Zones in the Country.

It was gathered that the Campaign Organization has been using the re-election of the President to get contracts from different Ministries, Agencies and Parastatals of Government without following due process.

In a statement signed today in Abuja, which was made available to newsmen by the National coordinator and National Secretary, Alh Danladi Pasali and Mike Asatuyi respectively, the organization distanced itself from the letter, stating the it was self-funded and peopled by persons of verified Integrity.

The statement said: “We wish to state unequivocally that the letter to the Ministry did not emanate from the headquarters of Buhari Campaign Organization but from fraudsters, scammers and enemies of progress of the achievements of President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR.

“For the purpose of history, Buhari Campaign Organization (BCO) was established since ANPP, CPC, time as a non-political, non-governmental organization with a clear-cut objective of showcasing and promoting the good leadership qualities of General Muhammadu Buhari prior to him being elected as Nigerian president in 2015 general election.

“The National Executive Committee (NEC) of Buhari Campaign Organization is in possession of a copy of a letter emanating from a sister Campaign Organization, Muhammadu Buhari Campaign Organization (MBCO) signed by the Director, Strategic Communication, Festus Keyamo, SAN on disclaiming BCO.

“The reading public should disregard his publication because he is uninformed about Buhari Campaign Organisation (BCO). It is on record that BCO has visited and has met with President Muhammadu Buhari and the First lady, Federal Republic of Nigeria.All Buhari campaign groups in the country need to harmonize our strengths so as to ensure that President Muhammadu Buhari is re-elected in 2019 February general election instead of engaging in rivalry and unhealthy competition. Buhari Campaign Organisation expected Festus Keyamo (SAN) to cross examine the facts and verify the genuineness of the purported letter from the leadership of ECG for guidance before rushing to the press.

“BCO stand for Integrity and abhors corruption. BCO is self-funding and our organization has not got any contract, funding from any government organization.

“It is on record that Festus Keyamo was alleged to have collected N450 million few days ago, which he refuted immediately. BCO believes that the allegation of N50 million is a wicked rumour because we believe in the Integrity of President Muhamadu Buhari and also that of Festus Keyamo. If the opposition can do that level of damage to Festus Keyamo, how come he believed quickly in a purported letter fraudulently written on BCO letter head paper? While Festus Keyamo is a new person in the Followership of President Muhammadu Buhari, he should expect more damaging allegations from the opposition now that full blown campaign will take off November 18, 2018 which will need a matured response.”

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/11/contract-scam-bco-demands-apology-from.html

Media Mogul, Dele Momodu on Tuesday said Vice President Yemi Osinbajo is the reason some Nigerians still have hope in President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration.

Momodu stated this while describing Osinbajo as pillar of APC administration who has made significant achievement in the past few years.

He noted that Nigerians would not have noticed the weakness of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration if Yemi Osinbajo was made to perform professionally, citing his period while as acting president.

He, however, pointed out that Osinbajo has not been able to perform at his best because of “banal politics of parochialism in the country.”

Momodu on his Twitter page wrote: “I love our Vice President PROFESSOR YEMI OSINBAJO for many reasons, smart, intelligent, cerebral, God-fearing, energetic, and so on… He is one of the reasons many of us placed high hopes in the BUHARI Government.

“He and a few others have made significant contributions to the modest achievements of this government but I doubt he’s been able to perform optimally because of the type of banal politics of parochialism we play in our clime.

“No one would have noticed the palpable weaknesses of this government if Osinbajo was allowed to run shows in a more professional manner. We saw the obvious difference anytime he had acted as President.

“He is now the major pillar of Buhari’s Presidential campaign crisscrossing Nigeria and beyond to make up for the gaping holes in a government that promised so much but delivered too little.”

The media Mogul further expressed concern over the position of the Vice President come 2019 if APC emerged winner.

“I pray he is not being overused and over-stressed at the moment and hope, when tomorrow comes, and by some stroke of miracle they win, he would not be discarded and made redundant while some invisible forces begin to flex muscles again.

“This is a sad reality Nigeria has to live with until our great country is restructured, one way or another,” Momodu added.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/11/how-osinbajo-has-saved-apc-buhari-dele.html

Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State, has charged the University of Uyo management team to rejig the institution’s science curriculum to bridge the technological gap and enhance the economic growth of the nation.

The governor who was was among dignitaries at the 24th Convocation Ceremony of the University, pointed out that Nigerian universities have a role in achieving sustainable democracy, explaining that producing graduates versed in science and technology would contribute to economic development which, would in turn, strengthened democracy.

According to the governor, “Democracy and Economic growth work hand in hand, democracy cannot flourish without the corresponding economic growth and prosperity. In as much as liberal sciences remain the defining blocks of understanding the realities of our social relations, we should begin to tailor our curriculum around the areas of science and technology.”

While donating N100m to enhance development projects in the institution, he commended the governing council and staff of the university for maintaining the passion for academic excellence which the institution is known for, asserting that Uniuyo has become one of the most sought after tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

He congratulated the graduands on their success and urged them to exhibit the glowing tendencies inculcated in them during their study at the university, hoping that the knowledge they acquired would place them in advantaged positions to successfully compete with their contemporaries while projecting them as worthy ambassadors of their institution.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to qualitative education, saying that it is one of the cardinal responsibilities of the state government and maintained that the huge investment in the education sector is justified as a social debt to the people.

The governor restated that primary and secondary school education remains free in Akwa Ibom State, noting that students in tertiary institutions are also accommodated in generous grants from the state government and acknowledged his administration’s efforts at providing conducive learning environment for pupils and students in public schools.

He said that it was his believe that students in public schools should be given the same educational opportunity as their contemporaries in the private schools, indicating that it was the conviction that prompted the huge expense and employment of qualitative teachers for public educational institutions in the state.

The Convocation Ceremony, preceded with a Lecture on the theme, “Creating a World-class University For A Vibrant Nigerian Economy and Sustainable Democracy”, held at the Institution’s Convocation Arena, Main Campus, Nwaniba Road, Uyo.

A total of 4,539 graduands were awarded various Degrees, Certificates and Diplomas, comprising 631 Higher Degrees, 3,678 First Degrees and 230 Diplomas and Certificates.

The University also conferred a Post-humus Honorary Degree of Doctor of Medicine on Dr Ann Ward, an Irish Missionary who devoted 50 years of her life at Saint Luke’s Hospital, Anua, to saving the lives of women with pelvic deformities caused by complicated births and later built the Vesico-Vaginal Fistula, VVF, Centre at Mbribit Itam, Akwa Ibom State, which became the sole centre for obstetric fistula operations in the South South and South East of Nigeria.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/11/gov-emmanuel-donates-n100m-to-uyo.html

The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, has given Christians a task ahead of the 2019 general elections.

The cleric called on Christians all over the country to pray for peace, free and fair polls in 2019.

He made the call on Saturday in his homily at the stage two of the new Cathedral building of the Twelve Apostles, St. Pope Johnpaul II (Papal Ground) Karsana District, Kubwa Expressway, Abuja.

The Cardinal pointed out that there was the need for peace in Nigeria, before, during and after 2019 general elections.

“Let us keep praying for an end to the killings, violence being perpetrated with deadly weapons, or cold indifference,” he said.

“May our homes, our nation, and countries around the world become havens of peace; let us pray to the Lord.

“Let us pray for the grace to see every human being as a child of God, regardless of race, language or culture.

“Let us pray to the Lord for the strength to teach our children how to resolve differences non-violently and respectfully, and the courage to model it in our own behavior, let us pray to the Lord.”

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/11/2019-elections-cardinal-onaiyekan-tells.html

Former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose has reacted to the presentation of a West African Examination Council (WAEC) certificate to President Muhammadu Buhari in Aso rock on Friday.

Fayose described the development as a “national embarrassment, PoliticsNGR gathered.

The President was presented with an ‘Attestation of Result’ by a WAEC official on Friday, November 2, 2018.

Fayose took to Twitter on Saturday to express his displeasure. He wrote;

“If it was this easy to get WAEC to issue the “Attestation/Confirmation Certificate, why waiting this long? Why contesting four times without a single certificate? So when will the military produce the credentials that he claimed are with them? Many questions begging for answers.

“My consolation is that (provided they will allow votes to count) Nigerians will have the opportunity of ending this national embarrassment in 4 months time. I have never seen a nation that has been so embarrassed by a mere question of ‘Mr President, where are your credentials?'”

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/11/just-in-fayose-reacts-to-presentation.html

Popular Nigerian singer, Mr Eazi has revealed how he met his girlfriend, Temi Otedola, who is the daughter of billionaire oil magnate, Femi Otedola.

The singer who opened up during a recent interview said he met Temi when her sister, DJ Cuppy, who is his friend invited him for one of her numerous events in London, United Kingdom. He said;

“I met Temi in London. It was an event, her sister invited me for an event. Her sister was playing at the event, somewhere in Nightbridge and she said, oh come out come out, follow me to this event, so I followed her to the event and then she was deejaying and all of a sudden it was just me and Temi sitting down and just watching her.”

He went on to say,

“Not really, she didn’t like meet my sister, you know, she invited her sister, she invited me. And by the time her sister came, she was already playing, so her sister came to the table and it was me and her. So, obviously, you have to socialise, so I said, Hi what’s up, my name is Mr Eazi.”

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/11/mr-eazi-says-he-met-girflriend-temi.html

In what can be described as a thank you visit some staff of the Nigerian Immigration service paid a visit to the Honorable member representing Ovia Federal Constituency in the National Assembly ,Hon Omosede Igbinedion in appreciation of securing a Federal Government job for them.

The constituents of Ovia Federal constituency who benefited from the job placement were visibly elated and described Barrister Omosede Igbinedion as a woman who has the interest of youths at heart.They said they were shocked when Omosede did all within her capacity to secure a Federal Job for them.

The beneficiaries who narrated how they have been looking for a job since after they graduated to no avail were so surprised that the Federal lawmaker could come to their rescue even without knowing them personally .

They prayed for God’s Blessings for her and urged her to keep assisting the people in whatever capacity she can while also commending her for quality and effective representation.

In responding Barr Omosede Igbinedion appreciated her guest for their kind wishes and prayers saying she does not need to know people personally before rendering necessary assistance to them.

She pledged to keep using her position as a member representing Ovia Federal Constituency to helping the people in the areas of need.

#Assurance2019

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/11/gratitude-nis-staff-pays-thank-you.html

Shehu Sani,the Senator representing Kaduna Central has condemned the killing of missing Senior Army officer, Major General Idris Alkali (rtd)

DAILY POST reports that the remains of the missing Senior Army officer, Major General Idris Alkali(rtd) was found by a team of the Nigerian Army on Search and Rescue Operation. This is coming after the officer had been declared missing since September 2018.

The remains of the officer was found in an abandoned well in a bush at Guchwet village in Shen Du District of Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The Garrison Commander 3 Division, Rukuba Barrack, who also doubles as the Commander of the Search and Rescue Operation, Brigadier General Umar Mohammed, on Wednesday said one of the suspects who took part in the relocation of the corpse was declared wanted and voluntarily submitted self to the Police and led the Joint Team of Army and Police on Tuesday to the well site.

Speaking on the development, Sani said the death of the army general represents national portrait of shame in the country and shows systemic failure.

He stressed that spirit of the army general and Kaduna traditional lawmaker will hunt those who killed him.

The Kaduna lawmaker on his Twitter page wrote: “Gen Idris Alkali & Agom Adara represent our national Potrait of tragedy and shame.Their souls hovers above the heaps of our systemic failure and guilt as a nation.

“Their spirit will eternally hunt their assailants and perpetually torment the conscience of the power of their custody.”

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/11/what-will-happen-to-killers-of-gen.html

The Government of Netherlands has pledged more collaboration with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) to end illegal migration from Nigeria.

Mr Stef Blok, Netherlands’ Minster of Foreign Affairs gave the assurance when he paid courtesy visit on the Director General of NAPTIP, Dame Julie Okah–Donli on Wednesday in Abuja.

Blok frowned at the sufferings and pains of victims of trafficking including abuses and slavery in Libya, parts of the Mediterranean and Europe.

He said the collaboration would include investment in job creation for Nigerians in order to dissuade them from going through the hurdles of illegal migration.

“Netherlands and Nigeria governments have had a very strong collaboration in fighting human trafficking and of course it is in our common interest to end this illegal migration.

“Our visit was to discuss how we can further improve the cooperation because both countries because we are very committed to ending illegal migration.

“People that have good qualifications have no reason indulging in illegal migration which is a terrible suffering,’’ he said.

In her remark, Okah–Donli said that Netherlands and Nigeria have had a very good relationship over the years in the area of joint operation and investigation.

She said that the first joint operations the two countries had exposed a big gang of human trackers in Netherlands, leading to other successful ones.

She said the meeting was crucial in strengthening relationship and sharing more information about joint operations and investigations.

According to her, the crime of human trafficking is such that both countries of origin and destinations must work together to destroy criminal network gangs.

“So, we need to crush these gangs from all side concentrating in Nigeria, it has to be fought here simultaneously and in the destination country as well,” she said.

She expressed delight over the promises made by Netherlands Government to rehabilitate and empower Nigerians and reduce illegal migration through the Mediterranean Sea.

She commended Netherlands for being the highest investor in anti-trafficking programmes in Nigeria in recent years and pleaded for more supports.

“Netherlands happens to be the highest investor in Nigeria but we want them to invest more, open up the economy some more and create Jobs for Nigerians.

“Nigerians do not want to be slaves in other people’s country but if they have enough jobs here and invest in our country Nigerians will stay,” Okah-Doli said.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/human-trafficking-netherlands-pledges.html

“Right now as it is, things are very bad and the Atiku-Obi emergence seems to be the last hope for the common man especially in the South East.”

Geoffrey Anyanwu, Awka

The traditional ruler of Agulu, Mr Peter Obi’s home town in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, Igwe Innocent Obodoakor, speaks on the Atiku-Obi ticket and how it would affect the restructuring debate.

What was your reaction when it was announced that Obi would be the running mate to the PDP presidential candidate?

Obi is my subject and I know that he fits perfectly into the office. Anybody who knows him also knows how well he governed Anambra State for eight years. When he was campaigning to become governor, he asked a very deep question which was everywhere on his billboards, saying, ‘Is Anambra cursed or are we the cause?’

After governing for four years, the question was answered as it was clear that we were the problem because within those four years, things moved very well for the state. He continued for another four years and they were actually wonderful years. Obi is not a new person in Nigeria anymore; people know him and know what he is capable of. If anybody says he doesn’t want him as Vice President, maybe the person might not be a Nigerian. If that person is from the East, then it’s really unfortunate for the people saying such a thing.

When we heard that he was picked as running mate to Atiku, we rejoiced knowing well that with him there, everything will happen the way we had wished it. One is that Atiku said he is going to carry out the restructuring of the country.

You see, parents in Nigeria are very unhappy and confused because our children have no jobs but with restructuring things will begin to work in Nigeria again and someone who finishes school will find a job.

It is unfortunate that many people are living in this nation without any hope and that is why you see them running out, both male and female, to other parts of the world and be slaves there instead of staying here and wasting away. So, if there is no restructuring, we would only be deceiving ourselves and that is why we are happy that Atiku has said he is going to do that.

It would be unfortunate for anyone from the South East not to support Atiku and Obi. If you do not support them, what then do you want for your children? Because it is painful that we are getting old but we haven’t seen those we will hand over to. Our children go to school only to graduate without jobs. So, the only way everyone in Nigeria will belong is by restructuring the country, without that, everything will remain hopeless.
Some of Obi’s critics say he is not as transparent as he claims to be. How well do you know him?

If somebody was the governor of a state for eight years, I don’t think there is anything he will be hiding again about himself. But I know that Peter is a good Christian, he likes to help the poor. He loves Anambra people and wants them to take their rightful position in Nigeria and that was what he taught throughout his time as the governor. He takes the development of the state very seriously and worked so hard to make Anambra occupy the first position in almost every developmental index. So if there is anything people don’t understand about him again, I don’t know.
What are his contributions to Agulu community?

Peter is actually a special person from his upbringing. In his family for instance, you have a Reverend Father, a Reverend Sister and himself being a very successful businessman among others. Don’t you see that there is something special about them? It’s not easy to come into a family and get a Reverend Father and a Reverend Sister; something must be special about that family.

As a member of my community, if you need help and it’s something that he can do for you; he will do it without wasting time. Many have gotten jobs through him including my daughter. Since leaving office, he has done so much for the community; he even gave the town union about 200 buses on hire purchase which were used to assist those who have nothing doing. They deployed it for commercial transportation and when you drive the bus and complete the money, it becomes yours. He normally gives the women money to assist them in their businesses.
What is your impression about the Atiku-Obi ticket?

Everything on earth has its time. The Atiku-Obi ticket is an opportunity for Nigerians to be happy again. Peter is a man of many parts. If I call him an economist, you will ask me, where did he study? For him to be the Vice Presidential candidate to Atiku means if they win, Atiku will perform well because he will be advising him from his wealth of experience. You see, there is nothing the people are looking for in governance than that the people governing us are doing well. Right now as it is, things are very bad and the Atiku-Obi emergence seems to be the last hope for the common man especially in the South East. That is why I am talking about restructuring. When we restructure, we will have direction and Nigeria will develop in every aspect.

For now, we are without direction, just wallowing about aimlessly. I picked a newspaper few days ago, and they said someone committed suicide and that many more will commit suicide because of the hardship in the country. The writer of that article said that many people cannot afford food to eat and if something is not done, things would get worse. So, my point is that the Atiku-Obi PDP ticket is the only hope we have now and every Nigerian should embrace them and ensure they are voted into power. They are going to perform well.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/2019-restructuring-is-nigerias-last.html

Nigerians in the Diaspora, under the umbrella of European Coalition for Security and Democracy in Nigeria (ECSDN) will hold an online poll November 1 to vote for a presidential candidate from among the 74 candidates approved by INEC for the 2019 presidential elections holding in February 2019.

In a statement from Hungary based ECSDN, Fafore Adebowale Abiodun, a cordinator of the platform stated that the election will take place live on ECSDN’s youtube channel, Nelson M46664 on November 1 by 5pm Nigerian time.

In a related speech which has gone viral, the Global Coordinator of the coalition, Frederick Odorige stated that it was shameful to see that members of the political class are engaged in fights which have culminated in the death of innocent Nigerians because of their greed and lust for power.

Odorige stated that for too long, Nigerians have been short-changed by the political class and urged Nigerians to use the 2019 general elections to say no to insecurity, disenfranchisement, corruption, rigging, bogus salaries for federal legislators, murderous herdsmen, health tourism for public office holders, budget padding, detention of Nigerians without trial, recycled leaders and indiscriminate allocation of oil blocs among others.

Listing criteria for the candidate who will eventually emerge Odorige continued: “The candidate must have no godfather or investor behind him, must show Nigerians his source of income and prepare to declare his assets, promise to re-structure Nigeria, fight corruption, give Nigerians stable supply of electricity within three years, review the salaries and emolument of federal legislators, preserve the House of Representatives, ban health tourism and education abroad for children of serving public office, scrap the Senate and declare all armed groups as terrorists among others. Who ever emerges will get the support of ECSDN and by extension, the Nigerian Diaspora during the 2019 elections.”

ECSDN is a project organised by the Nelson M46664 Human Rights Association Hungary. It has chapters in European countries including Canada and the United State.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/2019-nigerians-in-diaspora-to-vote-for.html

Buhari and other APC members at a Oyetola's victory rally

Leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the southwest have flayed the disbandment of Osun State Election Petition Panel by the President of the Court of Appeal.

National Vice Chairman of the PDP in the zone, Dr. Eddy Olafeso, Olafeso disclosed this in a communiqué after a stakeholder’s forum in Akure yesterday.

He described the disbandment and reconstitution of the panel as bizarre.

The PDP also condemned the spontaneous arrest and detention of the immediate past governor of Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose, accusing the Federal Government of political vendetta against him.

Meanwhile, the Lagos State chapter of the PDP has urged disgruntled members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to defect to the party to actualise their ambition.

PDP Publicity Secretary, Mr. Taofik Gani, who made the call in a statement yesterday, charged members of the APC to join the ‘free Lagos’ campaign to take the state from an individual to the people.

Also, PDP senatorial candidate for Lagos West, Mr. Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour implored Lagos indigenes of to challenge Tinubu’s one-man show.

In a related development, the PDP accused the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) of plotting to use the husband of the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Zainab Adamu Bulkachuwa, to influence the tribunals in Ekiti and Osun state.

According to a statement by the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the party, Prince Diran Odeyemi, in Osogbo, the recent ‘gift’ of the APC Bauchi North Senatorial ticket to Adamu Bulkachuwa, the husband of Justice Bulkachuwa, after he lost the primaries to Usman Abubakar Tuggar, was a pointer to that direction.

However, the APC in a statement by its Director of Publicity, Research and Strategy, Kunle Oyatomi, said the fact that the Appeal Court President is not sitting on the matter has destroyed PDP’s argument.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/south-west-pdp-apc-bicker-over.html

The Deputy National Coordinator of the Buhari Campaign Organisation, BCO, Otunba Tunji Omoregha, has highlighted reasons the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar can’t defeat President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019.

Omoregha said Buhari’s government had progressively taken Nigeria to the next phase of development by embarking on strategic projects across various sectors of the economy.

Addressing journalists in Lagos, he said on the terms of good governance, Buhari will win convincingly.

Omoregha said: “We understand how the polity works and we intend to leverage on our strengths across the country. The President has shown character as a leader who can deliver.

“For instance, the Nigerian economy is back and is on the path of growth after the recession of 2016-17.

“The Buhari administration’s priority sectors of agriculture and solid minerals maintained consistent growth throughout the recession.

“Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP), which was launched by Mr Buhari in April 2017, has stabilised the macroeconomic environment; achieved agricultural and food security and has also ensured energy efficiency especially in power and petroleum products.

“The government has drastically reduced insurgency in the north by equipping the Military. These and many more are facts the opposition has to contend with in the cause of the coming campaigns. Our duty as party stalwarts is to support the laudable vision of the President and ensure continuity.”

Omoregha acknowledged that “Abubakar was a threat” but insisted that the APC will win in 2019.

Also responding to comments about the quest for restructuring, Omoregha described those flying the kite as deceptive, saying if they had been serious and sincere about it, “why didn’t they do it in the whole of 16 years in power.”

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/apc-vs-pdp-why-atiku-cant-defeat-buhari.html

The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has reacted to the prediction in his favour by an international magazine, The Economist.

The Economist predicted that Atiku will win the 2019 presidential election.

The former Vice President reacted through Atiku Presidential Campaign Organization, APCO.

The APCO said the prediction was a vindication of its stand that the Information Minister, Lai Mohammed, deliberately twisted the narrative with his recent claim that some foreign media were not favourably disposed to Atiku’s candidature.

In a statement issued Friday in Abuja, the campaign organization pointed out that “As the Economist rightly states, the issues in 2019 are popular frustration over the rise in joblessness and poverty (two of the biggest voter concerns) on Mr. Buhari’s watch, as well as growing insecurity in central Nigeria.

“No other candidate has the capacity to address these challenges, like Atiku under whose watch as Chairman of the National Council on Privatisation, Nigeria had her highest growth in job numbers.

“Atiku, is poised to translate the significant success he has made in his private business empire to the public sector. This anticipation is responsible for the momentum he now enjoys in all the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria.

“For the past one year, Abubakar has traversed the length and breadth of Nigeria, selling his plans, vision and policies to Nigerians. Unfortunately, rather than do the same, the All Progressive Congress, APC, has focused on negative campaigning by slandering Abubakar’s past.

“We are not surprised by their actions. When a man’s future intimidates people, they focus on lying about his past because they cannot compete in the present. However, we thank The Economist for proving that no matter how far and fast falsehood has traveled, it must eventually be overtaken by truth.

“For now, we remind Nigerians that Atiku means JOBS. And by providing the atmosphere for Jobs, Opportunity, Being United, JOBS, Atiku is ready to “Get Nigeria Working Again.”

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/2019-presidency-atiku-reacts-to.html

Ogun State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun has assured that his administration would complete all on-going projects before leaving office in May 2019.

The governor who gave the assurance at the town hall meeting held yesterday in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital also attributed the delay in completing the roads to the rainy season, stressing that, “I want a quality job and not a shoddy job. The kind of road that will stand the test of time, which all of us will be proud of”.

Reacting to Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN)’s demand for the construction of road leading to the industrial estate, Amosun said it would cost the state a total sum of N28 billion to be able to reconstruct the industrial estate road.

The governor explained that he is still awaiting the federal government’s response to his request that the road be ceded to his government to enable him alleviate the sufferings of the industrialists as well as that of the people of the area.

Amosun further explained that he had also met with the industrialists doing business within the industrial estate to see the possibility of sharing cost of reconstructing the road on ratio of 60 to 40 per cent between government and the industrialists.

Commenting on the delay in completing the Sango/Agbado/Akute/Ojodu-Berger road which has eight bridges, the governor explained that the road would have been completed but for the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) which has refused to relocate the high tension wires to enable the contractors proceed.

Amosun said PHCN had requested for N2 billion before it could provide the power outage for the five days that it would take the contractor to complete working on the Akuta axis of the road.

“As at today, there is no portion of that road that is impassable except the Akute Bridge. This is because we need to pay PHCN the sum of N400 million per day to give power outage that will enable the contractor to continue work and we need to do that for five days”.

The governor however, solicited the continuous prayers of the people of the state to enable him complete his mission to rebuild the state.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/amosun-assures-on-completion-of-ongoing.html

According to multiple online reports, a Catholic priest stunned his fellow workers while having a fun time with a female colleague on a beach.

The priest identified as Rev. Fr. Charles Mukhalira Chiuta Dhlovu of Mzuzu Diocese in Malawi was pictured enjoying his time with his colleague named Grace Mwiwa.

According to sources, the priest is in charge of the Church radio station called Tigawane radio while Grace Mwiwa is one of the presenters who recently got promoted to administrative job.

It was gathered that the radio station organized a party at beach where the priest was seen having a swell time.

However, the viral picture has divided internet users as some say the priest didn’t do anything wrong because he’s human and allowed to have fun while others have argued that the way he handled the female colleague at the beach in his half-naked state can lead to his downfall if he’s not careful considering the oath of celibacy.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/see-what-this-catholic-priest-was.html

The Peoples Democratic Party said it was yet to name more members into its Presidential Campaign Council.

The PDP said this on Wednesday against the backdrop of what it described as a phony post circulating in the social media and purporting that the party has released further names to make up its 2019 Presidential Campaign Council.

The party, in a statement by its spokesman, Kola Ologbondiyan, said: “The fabricators of the post even went further to allocate offices to certain individuals, claiming same to be officially assigned by the leadership of our great party.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the PDP has not released any further names other than those earlier released as members of the Presidential Campaign Council.

“Currently, the only names and offices assigned and released by the party are those of the Director-General and Zonal Coordinators of the 2019 Presidential campaign as follows:

1. H.E Dr. Bukola Saraki – Director-General
2. H.E Aminu Waziri Tambuwal – Zonal Coordinator, North West.
3. H.E Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo – Zonal Coordinator, North East
4. H.E. Dr. Samuel Ortom – Zonal Coordinator, North Central.
5. H.E Nyesom Wike – Zonal Coordinator South South
6. H.E Ayodele Fayose – Zonal Coordinator, South West
7. H.E Engr. Dave Umahi – Zonal Coordinator South East.
8. H.E Kabiru Tanimu Turaki SAN- Chairman, Legal Matters
9. H.E. Emmanuel Udom – Chairman, Fund Raising Committee

“The PDP cautions that any other names being bandied around and purported to have emanated from the party should be discountenanced accordingly.

“The party therefore urges all members to remain calm and await further announcement by the National Working Committee on the composition of the Campaign Council in due course.”

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/pdp-were-yet-to-name-more-members-of.html

The Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria, Osita Okechukuwu, has called for the resignation of the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Adams Oshiomhole.

Okechukwu made the call on Wednesday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily.

He said, “The little I could read on Comrade Oshiomhole is that he suffers from nacism what in a local palace is called ‘I too know.’

“He doesn’t believe in anybody except himself. He has a fascination with himself and that is costly for the APC. So he should just resign.”

Okechukwu, who is also a senatorial aspirant for the Enugu West District, also blamed the crisis in the APC on the alleged authoritarianism of the party’s leadership.

According to him, the negative reactions trailing the recent conduct of the party’s primaries across the states of the federation is as a result of people placing personal interests over that of the party.

“What I am saying is that the crisis on the ground could be located on preferences to kindreds and cronies because if he (Oshiomhole) was genuine, the National Working Committee could have been in a place to resolve the issue.

“If there was no authoritarianism or high handedness in his governance, these people could have looked into the composition.”

The VON Boss stated further that if the party’s collective interest was placed first above personal interests, the APC would not be in crisis.

While citing Section 20 of the party’s constitution, Okechukwu said its leadership should have taken into consideration the Federal Character Principle before making rules and regulations for the conduct of its primaries.

He explained that the party under its current leadership have drifted from its change mantra it promised in the 2015 general election

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/von-dg-calls-for-oshiomholes-resignation.html

The contentious primaries of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to various political offices in Lagos State may have been concluded and names of the winners released but the echoes are still resonating in the state. As GEORGE OKOJIE writes, the emergence of the candidates summed up the supremacy of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu in Lagos State politics

When many years ago, admirers of the strongman of Lagos politics, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, decided to give him the unusual nickname, ‘Lion of Bourdilon’, most people thought it was just any other nickname.

Overtime, political events in the country have proven that indeed that there is something in that nickname because anytime the lion roars the other animals go into hiding.

His antecedent as a political bulldozer has continued to manifest from time to time. The last being the recent All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary election where he also clipped the wings of incumbent Governor Akinwunmi Ambode and some other prominent lawmakers who sought the party’s tickets to return to their positions.

The Mandate Group he controls in Lagos installed virtually all the party’s candidates vying for one position or the other. In some cases where some popular individuals allegedly emerged, they were replaced by candidates supported by the group.

In the case of the Lagos State governor, if any soothsayer had told him that he won’t get the party’s ticket for a second term in office, he would have told the soothsayer to swallow his crystal balls and learn a new trade. Not after the endorsements that started with the three lawmakers representing Lagos State in the Senate including Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the wife of the national leader of APC Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, for a second term.

The series of endorsements were not a myth because they cited massive infrastructure projects his administration had developed in less than three years in office.

The lawmakers comprising of Senator Gbenga Ashafa (Lagos East), Senator Oluremi Tinubu (Lagos Central) and Senator Solomon Olamilekan (Lagos West) unanimously passed a vote of confidence on the governor.

This was swiftly followed by the endorsement by members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the House of Representatives from Lagos State who also came all the way from Abuja to endorse Governor Ambode for a second term in office, citing the massive infrastructural development and giant strides in all sectors and sections of the state.

The APC Caucus in the House of Representatives led by the Majority Leader, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, presented a letter to the governor at Lagos House in Alausa, Ikeja urging him to re-contest in 2019.

According to him, “We are members of the House of Representatives APC Caucus from Lagos State. We all came into Lagos today to perform a very unique and sacred duty; something we did not take very lightly at all; something we deliberated over a couple of days ago and we spoke with one voice.’’

Interestingly, the governor won the governor of the year award year after year from a number of major national newspapers in the country and beyond.

To the chagrin of all, the endorsements crashed like a pack of cards and the political actors started acting funny to the amazement of all observers immediately the ‘Oracle of Lagos politics’, Tininu spoke.

Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s firm grip of Lagos politics is not a fluke, he abundantly possesses one of the hallmarks of leadership which is the ability to assemble a good team of advisers and cabinet members.

The man for all times working in the order of the likes of President Lee Kuan Yew who remarked in his book entitled, ‘From Third World To First’ that having a good crop of brilliant minds was central to the success story of Singapore, devoted better time of his political career raising brilliant minds and self assured people in Lagos.

The dogged fighter, welfarist and team player having succeeded in the area of human capital development had more than enough eggheads in his kitty and willingly distributes them to positions and in some cases change them when they fail to live above board and maintain set standards in their assignments.

As a strategist and tactician, he has never lacked the courage to try new things in the slippery terrain of Lagos politics.

Thus, when he felt some sectors in dire straits in the state can be fixed if a new man comes on board, through his power of persuasion and good communication team he was able to sell Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu to the electorate to build on his legacies and that of the his predecessor Mr. Babatunde Fashola within four weeks to overrun the incumbent Governor Mr AkinwunmiAmbode Ambode who was widely acknowledged as best among equals in the country.

Political observers say another trait that gives insight into why Lagosians have decided to worship him forever could be found in his book entitled,’ The Faith Of A Democrat ‘ where he wrote,’’ I know I am here in this world for a purpose . I know that the purpose is to promote the good life for God’s creation….It is then left for me to vindicate God or disappoint him. My choice is to vindicate Him by being an important agent for the promotion of the good life for all. My faith in my ability to do so is what drives me in all my activities, whether political, social or religious.’’

Despite the fact that he installed the incumbent governor, he was eternally vigilant to know how the man was discharging his duties , whether he was on track and when he felt derailed from the master plan of the state development, Tinubu came out openly to write off the governor saying, ‘’I make no pretence that the master plan is perfect. It can always be fine-tuned. However, whenever a government departed from this plan without compelling reason, the state and its people have borne the painful consequence of the improper departure.

‘’To ignore this blueprint for progress in order to replace it with ad-hoc schemes of a materially inferior quality contravenes the spirit of progressive governance and of our party. Such narrowness of perspective does not bring us closer to our appointed destination; it takes us farther from that destiny.

‘’For reasons unknown to me and most Lagosians, we have experienced such deviations from enlightened governance recently. This trend is that which most concerns me as the primary nears. We must arrest this trend before irreparable harm is committed against the people and their future.’

‘’I am encouraged by the emergence of a candidate in this primary who has served the state in senior positions in my administration, the Fashola administration and even in the current one. While possessing a wealth of experience and exposure, he is a young man endowed with superlative vision and commitment. Most importantly, he understands the importance of the blueprint for development. He esteems it as a reliable and well-conceived vehicle for the future development of the state. He also knows the value of reaching out and working with others in order to maximize development and provide people the best leadership possible. With people like him at the helm, the state will write the proper history for itself.’’

Another area where he showed his supremacy in Lagos politics was in the case of Hon. Bayo Osinowo who won the Lagos East Senatorial Primary.

From the very outset Hon. Bayo Osinowo who polled 247,743 to defeat Senator Gbenga Ashafa that polled 20,385 made it very clear to whoever that cared to listen that he had the backing of the strong man of Lagos politic to pick the APC ticket.

The point must be made that apart from the outstanding performance of his wife Senator Oluremi Tinubu which stood her out, it was very clear that no politician in the district could mutter the courage to contest the senatorial seat because they didn’t want to incur the wrath of her enigma husband.

Having seen the political hand writing on the wall , Senator Ashafa humbly chickened out and said, ‘’The events of the past few weeks in the build up to the Senatorial Primaries of our Party in Lagos East have led to quite a level of apprehension within the district.

‘’In the light of the foregoing, and upon due consultation with party leaders and relevant stakeholders, I believe that the time has come for me to sacrifice my ambition for the unity and continuity of our party at the senatorial level and across all elective offices. Hence, I hereby release my unopposed ticket to the leadership of the party in Lagos State.

‘’To this end, I would like to appreciate the leadership of our party at the State and National levels, our members and constituents alike for the opportunity afforded me to serve. This is an opportunity that I do not take lightly or for granted. I would also like to appreciate the magnanimity and generosity of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu towards me throughout this journey.

‘’Consequently, I urge all my followers and supporters across the district to support all the candidates of our party the All Progressives Congress in Lagos State and Nigeria as a whole in the forthcoming elections in 2019. I remain committed to the principles and ideals of our party and will continue to contribute my quota in service to both our party and the nation. I stand with APC.’’

In the state’s House of Assembly virtually all members of Lagos State House of Assembly who got the backing of the Mandate Group to contest the just concluded All Progressive Congress (APC) primaries won their constituencies.

In fact, the emergence of Ibrahim Obanikoro who won the Eti-Osa in the primary election conducted by Chairman Primary Election Committee, Lucky Imasuen, and Secretary Primary Election Committee Barr Chima Okafor speaks volume of the fact that one must belong to the right political circle to get elected in Lagos.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/tinubu-ambode-and-intrigues-of-lagos.html

Barely four months after assuming office as the national chairman of the governing All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole is enmeshed in a power play that threatens to consume him.

The plot by some influential persons within the party who are dissatisfied with his style of leadership to remove him as national chairman is gathering steam by the day.

LEADERSHIP gathered that the grouse of these party big wigs who are angling for his removal is that he introduced direct system of primary election for the selection of candidates that are to fly the party’s flag at different levels in the forthcoming general election.

The Oshiomhole-led National Working Committee (NWC) had proposed the option of direct primaries to the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party, which adopted and ratified it.

But when the option of direct primaries came into effect and was used in the just concluded primaries of the party, powerful forces within the party on sensing that they may lose out hatched the plan to see Oshiomhole removed from office.

A source at the party’s national headquarters told our correspondent that the most affected party members were some governors who had plans to transit from Government House to the National Assembly and at the same time, appoint successors who may not have electoral value for the party.

This, according to the source, did not sit well with Oshiomhole whose mantra is to hand the party over to the majority and give everyone a sense of belonging.

The source who did not want his name in print said, “On coming to the office, the comrade chairman was interested in changing the party from the old order where only select individuals determined who gets where and has what to democratic system where everyone has a say in the affairs of the party.

“For instance, some very powerful persons in the party are leaving with their supporters. The national chairman is of the opinion that if you expand the base and everyone knows he has a stake in the party, 2019 will be an easy work.

“But if we field someone that has little or no electoral value, we will not only lose, even our supporter base will be greatly affected and ultimately, it will affect our chances in the presidential elections”.

APC In Safe Hands, ex-Edo Gov Declares

Confirming the plot to remove him, Oshiomhole yesterday raised the alarm over alleged clandestine move by some unnamed party stalwarts to frustrate his plans to reposition the APC with the ultimate aim of passing a vote of no confidence on him.

The national chairman assured however that the party under him is in safe hands as it marches on sure footing to victory in the 2019 general election, adding that this is the overarching mission of the national working committee, NWC, of the party under his leadership.

In a statement by his chief press secretary, Simon Ebebgulem, the APC chairman described as unfair the suggestion in some quarters that the APC cannot win with him.

He was reacting to the statement credited to one of the presidential aspirants on the platform of the party, Alhaji Mumakai Unagha.

Ebebgulem said, “The totality of Unagha’s claims without necessarily addressing them one after the other tallies with cooked-up narratives being sponsored by some influential stakeholders in their respective states that Comrade Oshiomhole is responsible for all the problems in the APC at the moment.

“These influential stakeholders, according to grapevine, have begun to mobilise to pass a no-confidence vote in the leadership of Oshiomhole, having failed to impose their preferred candidates on the party in the nomination process”.

The statement continued: “Comrade Oshiomhole did not become national chairman of the governing party to bring it down a notch from the pedestal of its 2015 electoral victory let alone to preside over its liquidation.

“Rather, his single-minded goal, from the outset of his declaration of interest in the position, was to deploy his capacity in helping to strengthen and reposition the party as a truly supreme and disciplined political entity.

“Although, it might appear fortuitous to some persons that he became national chairman at the threshold of the 2019 general election; the truth is that there is no accident in predestination”.

The media aide urged party members to appreciate the fact that it pleased God to place Oshiomhole in the saddle of APC leadership at this time for a purpose, just as he noted that the purpose has begun to manifest, including instilling discipline, ensuring party supremacy, promoting due process, dealing with impunity and executive arrogance wherever they manifest to undermine intra-party electoral processes in the states.

He stated: “From the outset, we never expected that those who cherished and supported the status quo, which Comrade Oshiomhole supplanted, would cave in easily under the magnitude of the current political revival that he spearheads.

“Indeed, while the progressives are enamored of change, the conservatives find it difficult to embrace it. That is the current reality in the deliberate effort to rebrand the APC.

“Again, we were not, in the least, deluded that the process of rebranding or rewriting the narrative of the four-year old party would be easy. What we are witnessing in the APC today is Comrade Oshiomhole’s adroit management of the strains and pains that accompany the birth of a resuscitated governing party.

“The leadership provided in the recently-held primary elections and the large-scale integrity of the processes are developments that should hence serve as exemplars in the administration of governing parties.

“Indeed, the message therein is very clear that the party, and not pseudo political empires in the states, has the power to superintend the primary elections for the nomination of the party’s candidates in the general election.

“While the party will not surrender its functions, which are constitutionally circumscribed, to any other entities, it will always be ready to moderate the divergent tendencies and mediate the disparate political camps in the interest of party cohesion.

“This is one of the hardnosed truths that the Comrade Oshiomhole-led NWC preaches and practises with an apostolic zeal to the chagrin of some influential stakeholders in the states.

“Comrade Oshiomhole envisions an APC that is capacitated to pragmatically build a corpus of leadership and membership that do not only submit to the high ideal of party supremacy but also the credo of party discipline.

“These-party supremacy and discipline- are two fundamentals that had been eroded even before the emergence of the Oshiomhole leadership. It is sad that while the national chairman is working round the clock, some stakeholders have thrown selfish political agendas into the mix to threaten the building of institutional capacity for the APC.

“Rather than resort to needless perfidy at the threshold of a general election, we call on them to imbibe the spirit of sportsmanship, bolstered by the fact that the Oshiomhole leadership is propelled more by its interest in propriety in which victory for the party could be grounded. The crime committed by Comrade Oshiomhole’s leadership is its disdain for impunity and circumvention of due process perpetrated in some of the states at the pleasure of some influential stakeholders”.

Ondo Chapter Rejects Senator Omogunwa’s Candidature

Meanwhile, members of APC in Ondo South senatorial district have rejected the candidature of Senator Yele Omogunwa as the flag bearer of the party in 2019 general election.

The party described the automatic ticket given to Omogunwa by the national leadership of the party as highly unacceptable, adding that his choice may sway prospective voters away from the party in the 2019 elections.

In a letter written by the party leaders in the senatorial district to the national chairman of the party, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, the party described Omogunwa who is the current Senator representing the district as a mole in the party.

They also described Omogunwa as a “spy of Mimiko’s ZLP that is clandestinely working for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.”

The letter was signed by Chief Alex Akina (Ese-Odo local government area), Comrade Imisi Oripenaye (local government area), Dr. Peter Akintokun (Okitipupa local government area) Chief Adegoke Oyeto (Irele local government area), Alhaji Abdulateef Omosehin (Odigbo) and Barrister Akinfolarin Akindolie (Ileoluji Okeigbo local government area).

They stated: “We humbly draw your Excellency’s attention to the reported move to return Senator Yele Omogunwa as candidate of the APC in Ondo South Senatorial District of Ondo State. In unequivocal terms, Senator Omogunwa is more of a liability than an asset to our great party. A quick run through the following will expose Senator Omogunwa as an opportunist whose inconsistency is legendary.

“During the days of the late Sani Abacha, Omogunwa was Council Chairman under a Zero Party arrangement. From 1999-2002, he was Commissioner for Education under the late Governor Adefarati of the then Alliance for Democracy but betrayed him in connivance with Dr Rahaman Olusegun Mimiko who later became governor as both ditched the governor for PDP.

“From PDP, he again defected to the Labour Party alongside Mimiko. Still with Mimiko, Omogunwa dumped LP and returned to PDP just a few months to the 2015 Presidential election, which ushered in President Muhammadu Buhari.

“He was thereafter imposed by Mimiko as Senatorial candidate against the wish of the people and rigged in as Senator. We can go on and on to highlight his vices as an incontrovertible opportunist. But we make bold to submit that Senator Omogunwa’s heart is not in APC.

“We are aware and wish to inform you that Senator Omogunwa is having nocturnal meetings with Mimiko in respect of the Atiku Project. Our worry and question is this: Is it not curious that Senator Omogunwa has always joined a winning party? Can anyone point out a particular period he remained a member of his party that brought him up to the end even in the face of being in the opposition?

“The facts posited herein are verifiable through any discrete means the NWC may wish to adopt. We are heading for a doom as a party if Omogunwa is considered as Senatorial candidate for our district.”

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/plot-to-remove-oshiomhole-thickens.html